HONEY LUKS: ADVANCING THE ART & BUSINESS OF BEAUTY

Beauty they say is in the eyes of the beholder and for whomever it is that is beholding or being beheld, make-up artistry is a phenomenon that has come to stay. Some have the view that make up enhances beauty due to certain inadequacies while for others it is an important part of fashion and fashion to them is incomplete without the back-up of make-up. So whether it is for a patch-up work or for a foundation purpose, make-up has come to stay and that is why our focus today is on a unique entrepreneur who is conquering the make-up world rapidly.

MEET BATUBO NENE GIBA

Batubo Nene Giba is charming young lady who doesn’t see challenges as problems but as stepping stones to greater heights and has the drive to always keep up with the leading trends in fashion.

She runs her own venture called “HONEY LUKS MAKEOVERS” having found her passion in make-up due to her undying desire to see her clients happy. Honey Luks Makeovers offer a range of service that cuts across all age groups and in Honey Luks Makeovers; it is believed that your pocket size shouldn’t be a deterrent factor to looking exceptionally beautiful.

IN THE BEGINNING

Honey Luks Makeovers started by registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission after undergoing various makeup trainings, seminars and workshops. The Lead makeup artist, Batubo Nene after obtaining her Bachelor of Law (LLB), developed an interest for makeup artistry which was a bit awkward as she was a bit boyish and nonchalant concerning feminine issues. She proceeded to obtain her BL and was called to the Nigerian Bar, after which she enrolled in Sleek Studios for her first training and thereafter did various trainings and workshops to keep up with the trend in the industry. She also had a chance to be tutored by a beauty business and lifestyle coach, Ungenita Prevost, USA.

WEANING PERIOD

Honey Luks started off in December 2010 from Port Harcourt and then moved to Lagos where it gained more exposure and gathered a wider client base. The establishment grew and had additional team mates, assistant sales reps, in-house models and photographers. The Honey Luks team attended a couple of exhibitions in Lagos and even participated and partnered in the 1st edition of Lagos makeup fair. The establishment came back to Port Harcourt in May 2013 but without leaving the Lagos scene completely because there are representatives in Lagos to attend to the needs of clients there. Nene and her team have been able to build a good client base in Lagos, Warri and currently Port Harcourt. And according to her, they still hope to spread their tentacles to more states especially in the aspect of trainings and workshops which holds annually.

SOURCE OF MOTIVATION

“My main motivation stems from the responses I get from satisfied clients. It helps me to press harder, pushes me to learn more and drives me to make my clients especially the loyal ones a priority” says Nene.

ABOUT THE HONEY LUKS TEAM

This is what she had to say, “In Honey Luks Makeover we believe in team work. Presently, Nene has 10 team mates who have various functions as in-house models, makeup assistants, and sales assistants”

HURDLES TO JUMP

Every venture, no matter how noble or well planned, comes with hurdles and challenges of various forms. For Honey Luks, the major challenge has been that people often look down on makeup artistry and consider it an art that doesn’t require expertise. As a result, services are quite frequently underpriced.

Surpassing this very challenge has been a task which the Honey Luks team keeps tackling through the consistent display of great skill, expertise, and unrelenting dedication to duty. However, this doesn’t change the fact that people still price poorly but it is encouraging that makeup artistry is beginning to gain better recognition and well exposed people now place great value on it.

MORE ON HONEY LUKS ENTERPRISE

Honey Luks specializes in professional Photography, high-end fashion makeup, makeup trainings, and bridal makeovers. Nene and her crew also retail fashion accessories and makeup products. Recently, they added wedding coordination/planning to their list of services. Despite the wide range of services, the core for them is photography/high-end fashion makeup services and they are diligently carving a niche in that field.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

According to Nene, “Honey Luks is hopeful to have training centres in major cities in Nigeria and to work with major brands (modelling agencies and magazines).”

TIP-OFF TO ASPIRING MAKE-UP ENTREPRENEURS

On what she has to say to intending entrepreneurs especially those interested in Make-up Artistry, these are her words: “I would advice everyone with passion in makeup artistry to go after their passion. But remember that education is very important and you need a degree to make you approach your art with a different kind of finesse. You also need to be well trained in your art and keep updating yourself with the trend by attending workshops and seminars. Learn to read a lot and never be too proud or embarrassed to ask questions from people you look up to in your field of interest.”

PHOTO SPEAK…

Nene Giba Batubo

TALK TO BATUBO NENE GIBA

Honey Luks is located in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. Moreover, they offer makeup services nationwide on the request of clients. Contact them via:

Odin Oluwaseye is a graduate of engineering who has a flair for creative writing. His interests span across Youth Leadership, Creative Arts, Event Management, and Business Support Services. He has a fervent drive for keeping people inspired and seeing them harness and maximize their potentials. He is currently a Youth Corps member serving in Rivers State.

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About SouthernBrands

Southern Brands Project is poised to promote the entrepreneurial activities and social initiatives of young people across the south-south region of Nigeria in the form of inspiring stories. These stories are shared on our various online platforms to a web audience both within and outside the south-south region while also serving as a forgein which ideas and values are created and reformed.